Columbia House once had sixteen million members across North America, and music expert Eric Alper explains how a penny-CD mail order club grew into a genuine billion dollar business. The scale of it is far bigger than the nostalgic joke it's become.

Eric also reveals the reason record labels were willing to let those CDs go out for almost nothing: the artists behind them were never paid a cent, because the whole arrangement was quietly filed under promotion. He walks through the formats Columbia House sold across decades, from vinyl records to eight-track tapes, and how long each one stayed on offer.

By the end, Eric connects the company's business model to something still affecting people's bank accounts today, a habit that started with Columbia House and never really went away.

Topics: Eric Alper, Columbia House, music industry history, penny CD scam, negative billing

GUEST: Eric Alper | That Eric Alper | Home  | @‌thatericalper

Originally aired on 2026-09-17

Columbia House once had sixteen million members across North America, and music expert Eric Alper explains how a penny-CD mail order club grew into a genuine billion dollar business. The scale of it is far bigger than the nostalgic joke it's become.
Eric also reveals the reason record labels were willing to let those CDs go out for almost nothing: the artists behind them were never paid a cent, because the whole arrangement was quietly filed under promotion. He walks through the formats Columbia House sold across decades, from vinyl records to eight-track tapes, and how long each one stayed on offer.
By the end, Eric connects the company's business model to something still affecting people's bank accounts today, a habit that started with Columbia House and never really went away.
Topics: Eric Alper, Columbia House, music industry history, penny CD scam, negative billing
GUEST: Eric Alper |<a href="http://thatericalper.com/"> That Eric Alper | Home</a>&nbsp; | @&zwnj;thatericalper
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-17

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.